The Beauty Issue, AUTOR Magazine

Call for Submissions: The Beauty Issue, AUTOR Magazine AUTOR Magazine no 6 Submissions are OPEN. The Beauty Issue How do you define beauty? What pleases your eye and tickles your heart and your mind? Which is your interpretation of the interconnection between beauty, jewellery and the body in our shared “now”? Beauty and Jewellery have always been intimately connected and evolved through time side by side. Observe art, watch a movie, or look around you in the real world. Beauty usually is framed by jewellery. And jewellery as an “addition” and an “extra”, attempts to enhance beauty and bring it

Meet the Jeweller Subverting Beauty Standards

Joanne T's conceptual collection 'Not Your Average Beauty' is a range of facial ornaments inspired by tribal jewellery, with a mission to subvert and raise awareness of the pressures of modern beauty standards. The tone of the work is confrontational: a direct criticism of a modern symptom. It subverts the notion of ‘normalising’ imperfect features through surgery, instead the wire serves as an icon – a frame for the imperfections of the wearer, challenging them to embrace their perceived flaws.  The rigidity of the form gives it an unflinching appeal, it does not obscure, nor play tricks with the eyes,

Dendritic Beauty: Still Life In A Stone

As autumn steps up a gear, nature explodes into a fiery mass of natural beauty with not only a sea of leaves amongst our feet but leaves falling into the trends cupboards of the design industry. Welcome to the world of dendritic stone. Within gemmology, agate is an umbrella term for a variety of banded Chalcedony; a mineral belonging to the Quartz family. Whilst not strictly classified as an agate as it is not banded, dendritic agate, also known as tree agate is itself a quartz, displaying a opaque and milky finish. Comparatively, dendritic quartz displays more of a shimmery

Karolina Baines: Beauty in Interaction

Not only goldsmith tradition characterizes Karolina Baines’s work. She starts from there to explore the creation through many different techniques like sketches, painting, printmaking and mixed media. She aims at balancing shapes, colours and texture in a very refined and delicate way. Her pieces are always very malleable while keeping a strong and independent sense of movement. I addressed her few questions to better understand her world, writes Ilaria Ruggiero. IR: Where does your passion for jewellery come from? KB: I suppose I think of myself as a designer/maker first, and then as specifically a jewellery designer/maker. I love bringing ideas IR: Have

The Unspoken Beauty of Moissanite

Moissanite   (/ˈmɔɪsənaɪt/) So what exactly is moissanite; the ugly step-sister of the cinderella gem world? Think again! Incredibly rare and precious, moissanite is a beautifully natural gemstone born from a meteorite star that fell to Earth in 1893. Originally thought to be the discovery of Diamond by French scientist Henri Moissan, it was soon revealed to be a crystal gemstone with very similar properties to Diamond but that was composed of silicon carbide. Due to the natural composition of Moissanite, it has become a very scarce mineral worldwide making moissainte as we see it today almost entirely laboratory-grown. Through

The Beauty In Grecian Antiquity

As the temperatures rise and the ability to slurp a cocktail (or two) like an athlete gasping for water it appears that our bare skin and pins suddenly see the light as our dresses get shorter. With more minxy flashes of skin up for attention, it boils down to only one logical conclusion; plenty more space to adorn yourself with beautiful jewellery!  Summertime is a season of fun, frivolous risks and more daring looks so why not charge up your jewellery game by thinking outside of the standard box: you've got the necklace, the bracelet, the ring, the chandelier droppers

Shine On Bright Beauty

Winter is dipping her wet and nippy toes into the weather pool of October leaving us reaching for those chunky rib jumpers reminiscent of poncho tents and playing safe with the cheerful colour of black as a staple colour palette. The emerging countdown to all things mistletoe mischief and tinsel-town fun gives us the perfect excuse to pop a drop of sparkle and sass into our solemn moods and matching wardrobe. Time to set your hungry eyes upon some majestical prey of adornments like the ruthless sparkle magpies the Jewellery world! Statement sparkle doesn't have to resort to gaudy coloured

Welcoming A Bespoke Beauty: Vaessen | Walker

March has arrived in all its glory and as Spring begins to sprinkle her beauty upon the world, new jewellery brand Vassen | Walker have planted their roots in the jewellery world; blossoming with their  debut jewellery collection ALLORA. Louise Vaessen-Walker is the creative and founding director behind the contemporary jewellery and tableware brand where h er innovative collections have received much recognition both nationally and abroad. Louise has been commended in receiving a number of awards in both design and craftsmanship, most notably the London Assay Office Special Gold Award, and the 3D Innovative Technology Design Gold Award from

Hypnotic Crystal Lips: Where Jewellery Meets Beauty

Striking gemstones have been setting hearts all aflutter as they dazzle, glitter and shine round the necks, wrists and dainty fingers of models strutting the fall runways. Nothing quite beats the majestical beauty and subtlety of semi-precious crystal stone jewellery that never fails to capture the magpie eyes of the jewellery world. The enchanting light refractions that encompass the delicacy of the gemstone spectrum have been entwined into a new and bewitching creative innovation where the wearing of coloured stone just got magnetising. Capture the passion for coloured stones by painting a new twist upon this old tradition by taking

Discover Jessica Pass’ ‘Curios’ collection- a swarm of beauty

Jessica Pass’ ‘Curios’ collection is a striking feat in style and design. A homage to the Curio and the cabinets that contain them, Pass’ own glass cabinets are a-flutter with beautiful gilded insects, frozen in tableau at each stage of flight like an ornate flip-book. The magnificent pieces are beautiful in their own right, yet, each piece is hinged to reveal an inner cubby. As is the case with the standout ‘Cicada Neck Piece’; This contemporary locket opens to reveal a stunning golden beryl in the clutches of a miniature figure whose limbs serve as the stone setting. The veins

Dior Joaillerie: The Beauty and Craftsmanship of Dior Fine Jewelry

Extreme Beauty: The Body Transformed (Metropolitan Museum of Art Series)

AUTOR International Contemporary Jewelry Fair 2019

AUTOR International Contemporary Jewelry Fair 2109 20 – 21st April 2019 National Theatre Bucharest, Romania “Beauty never sleeps” How do you evaluate the beauty of a jewelry? Should a piece of jewelry be beautiful so that we become more beautiful? What do you say? Autor Contemporary Jewelry International Fair aims at answering with 100 designers coming from four continents and bringing over 2000 pieces of jewelry. Beauty can be disruptive. AUTOR 2019 puts the spotlight on the innate relationship between jewelry and beauty. It challenges you to see beyond the limits of your regular beliefs and to express your beauty

University of the Arts London: London College of Fashion

The  London College of Fashion  is a constituent college of the  University of the Arts London , in London, England. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, short courses, study abroad courses and business-training in fashion, make-up, beauty-therapy and lifestyle industries. Undergraduate: Fashion Jewellery – BA (Hons) www.arts.ac.uk

Zeemou Zeng’s ‘Melody’ Collection: A Treat for the Eyes and Ears

Zeemou Zeng, an IJL ‘Bright Young Gem’ winner, follows up his debut ‘Venus’ collection with one that incorporates celebrates the beauty- and musicality- of pearls. The recent graduate designs contemporary fine jewellery and accessories, drawing from his extensive knowledge of craftsmanship and experience with different materials (such as precious metals, glass, gemstones and porcelain.) Zeemou Zeng 'Melody' Collection Zeemou Zeng 'Melody' Collection Zeemou originally studied interior and architecture design in China, before graduating from the London University of Arts- the collection is a perfect amalgamation of design functionality and beauty- and is testament to the breadth of his studies. Each

Inspired by light, Aureliean debuts the Ora collection

Fine jewellery brand Aureliean has launched the Ora collection, a delicate range of precious jewellery that celebrates the beauty of light. Ora, which means light in Hebrew and is derived from the Spanish word for gold, is inspired by the golden light-filled landscape of the island of Tenerife. Enhancing the delicate yet substantial beauty of each piece, the jewellery is available in either 18ct white, yellow or rose gold and set with brilliant-cut, conflict-free diamonds. The brand are also set to soon launch their ‘Flame’ collection, which, in contrast of the focus on the elegant simplicity of diamonds that ‘Ora’

Fabergé's Life in Colour campaign and Edible Easter Egg Experience

April is a busy month for Fabergé, as we begin to reach the Easter period, a time which is particularly special to the House of Fabergé. As well as launching their beautiful new campaign 'A Life in Colour', they have partnered with The Ritz London to create a luxurious edible experience. The new Spring campaign was shot by gem photographer Casey Moore, at Gemfields' ruby auction in Singapore. The campaign is centred around Gemfields' stunning uncut gemstones, in their raw, natural state, and the beauty of coloured gemstones responsibly sourced from Gemfields’ mines in Zambia and Mozambique.and the beauty of coloured

Gemstones Set The Tone: GFG Jewellery by Nilufe

GFG Jewellery by Nilufer is a London-based British contemporary fine jewellery brand established by founder, Nilufer Kizilkaya.  With a vision to encapsulate timeless beauty, Nilufer set about creating collections that are easily wearable from day to night with a vision to form a part of a woman’s daily outfit ritual. The aesthetics of the collections are created with love and passion, inspired by the beauty of our surroundings. Each piece is created using precious metals, handset and polished while gemstones, diamonds and pearls are sourced around the world and cut to bespoke specifications for the brand. GFG Jewellery by Nilufer,

Anastazio Kotsopoulos | Handmade Jewellery

Anastazio distinguished himself early on as one of the youngest jewelry artists in Greece with his unique signature style which harmoniously contrasts industrial, gold netting backgrounds with softly framed sensual gemstones. The Greeks might have discovered him but then the world took notice. An arbiter of style, Vogue UK includes him in the roster of world talented jewelry designers. They, like many, appreciate his simple and delicate aesthetics, with the belief beauty in simplicity. Intricate details and exceptional craftsmanship make every piece a work of art. Drawing inspiration from ancient Greece, he designs his new collection with a woman’s beauty

Emma Watson sparkles in Forevermark at MTV Awards

Actress Emma Watson took to the red carpet at the 2017 MTV Movie & TV awards, Los Angeles, looking as stunning as her winning preformance in blockbuster film 'Beauty and The Beast'.  The 27-year old actress was the first to win the show's 'genderless award'; celebrating talent over gender abilities; a meaningful statement Emma made sure to highlight throughout her speech.  Collecting her gong for 'Best actor' in the gender-neutral category for her performance as Belle in 'Beauty and The Beast', Emma triumphed in the limelight thanks to her sequined asymmetrical halter-neck dress. Juxtaposing the elaborate sparkle with a sharp

Anna Lewis: Stay

In the series Stay, Anna Lewis investigates the aesthetic, symbolic and costume imagery of the Victorian era, starting from an antique corset made of whalebone, linen and silk, dated 1780 writes Ilaria Ruggiero. The corset is an object of conflict and contrast; it represents both control and support. A ubiquitous object and outward symbol of self-control, or social control by men. The corset is a political element, for her it is symbolic of discipline, beauty and sexuality yet hides a dark truth by painfully punishing the body in order to fit this feminine ideal. The restriction of this tight cage, crushing

Isabella Liu previews her new ethical collection Twilight at the Zaha Hadid Gallery

Isabella, who has been named as both Influencer and Ambassador for the China Britain International Design Week and the British Council in Asia for 2018, has been invited to preview her new ethical jewellery collection Twilight at the Abstract Expressions exhibition at the Zaha Hadid Gallery The Twilight Collection is a celebration of Love, encapsulating the beauty and energy of the Goddess of the Moon. The Moon and its many phases, often believed to symbolise the female form and the cycle of life, have inspired Isabella to create pieces which tell the tale of life - the crescent is youth

Riding the Cool Blue Wave

There's something about the charm of Summer that makes adding a splash of colour seems like the look du jour, right?   We saw this trend make headlines in 2018 but it seems that turquoise jewellery is back under the spotlight again with a twist and a nod to ocean tones. Rich and decadent, blue combines the fresh beauty of modern vibrancy with the style of antique charm. Reinvented and reprised, this nod to the oceans takes vintage classic shapes and combines it with splashes of gold, silver and diamond accents. Historically, turquoise blue is believed to be a powerful

Branching Out

Branching Out, Craft Centre and Design Gallery - Leeds Inspired by the beauty of trees we bring together a selection of talented makers creating contemporary jewellery, ceramics, glass and works in mixed media whose work captures the essence of these remarkably diverse and beautiful marvels of the natural world. Exhibition Run 18th March - 24th June 2017 Venue The Craft Centre & Design Gallery City Art Gallery The Headrow, Leeds West Yorkshire LS1 3AB www.craftcentreleeds.co.uk

Emily Blunt Dazzles The Red Carpet in a Ruth Tomlinson design

Yesterday evening English beauty Emily Blunt wowed the crowds at the premiere of her recent film ‘The Girl On The Train’ in Leicester Square, looking gorgeous in a heavily beaded Alexander McQueen gown paired with a Ruth Tomlinson ring. The Green Tourmaline and Diamond Ring with Granules was complemented by the baroque character and intricate embellishments of the floral gown while the jewel tones of the beading emphasised the deep green hue of the tourmaline perfectly. The red carpet was transformed into a train track for the event but Emily looked more like she was on a catwalk in the

Loewe Reveals Craft Prize Trophy

The newly established Loewe Foundation Craft Prize launched earlier this year with the aim to recognize emerging artisans, has announced the creation of the award’s winner’s trophy.  Designed and made by Alex Brogden, it was engraved by Graham Saggers at the Goldsmiths Centre. The award, sponsored by the Loewe Foundation, was created in an effort to magnify the beauty and importance of original and handmade products. Craftpersons of any medium are encouraged to submit their applications to the award. Fourteen finalists will be selected for an exhibition in Madrid, after a panel of judges select the winning entry, scheduled for

News Edit: 30 September 2022

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   The Best New Jewellers To See At This Year’s Goldsmiths’ Fair Vogue: London is bursting with jewellery goings-on right now, but few will offer more to satisfy your need for beauty than the annual Goldsmiths’ Fair, which this year celebrates its 40th anniversary. www.vogue.co.uk Scottish jeweller to be honoured at exhibition in Edinburgh The National: An exhibition of the UK’s finest gold, silver and jewellery is set to honour a Scottish designer. www.thenational.scot The founder of Annoushka Jewellery takes us inside her London pied-a-terre Hello: Annoushka Ducas MBE

HASHI: founded by Hamda Al Mansoori, Dubai

HASHI make fine jewellery  accessible to both genders and all age groups by combining passion and innovation to fine crafted jewellery.  HASHI is more than a fine jewellery brand. It values the client’s perspective of making their interests into a memorable work of art and produce a masterpiece to every man and woman who appreciates the finer things in life. They make fine jewellery  accessible to both genders and all age groups by combining passion and innovation to fine crafted jewellery.  “Designing bridge to beauty and luxury”  as their guiding principle. Founded on passion and courage HASHI was created in

Designer Open House

Designer Open House FORGE represents independent designers whose work is unique, made in the UK and demonstrates excellence in skills and craftsmanship. We invite designers to showcase with us who share the same values. If you would like to showcase with us then visit us on Wednesday 17 May, 3pm-6pm to view our current showcase and to ask any questions. The FORGE Showcases is centred around a different theme each month and we are currently looking for designers for June. JUNE 1ST - 30TH: RECYCLED TREASURES Celebrating the beauty and creativity that arise from sustainable practices and highlighting the importance

News Edit: 23 August 2020

Here is a round up of last week's international jewellery news...   These Dazzling New Watches Capture the Beauty of Underwater Life MSN: Beginning in the 15th century in France, marquetry, or the art of inlaying thin pieces of wood or metal into an intricate design, became a winning decorative approach in furniture.  msn.com Turning over a new leaf: Chopard follows a sustainable path Prestige Online: Blending ethics with enchanting aesthetics, Chopard has been on a Journey to Sustainable Luxury since 2013 thanks to the initiative launched by Co-president and artistic director, Caroline Scheufele.  prestigeonline.com Editorial: Masterpiece a Story of

Objet d’Emotion x Ecru launch Jewellery Memory Game

Valery Demure, Founder of Objet d’Emotion, is proud to present the ‘Lady of the Rings” Memory Game, in collaboration with Nur Kaoukjhi, Creative Director of Ecru. With the challenges 2020 presents, we’ve learnt to adjust to a slower pace and enjoy simple pleasures. Spending time with her daughter Paloma reminded Valery of her own childhood, playing memory games with her grandmother Marie-Louise. Valery has travelled extensively, India being one of her favourite places, Jaipur connecting with her more intimately due to its jewellery history. As well as the beauty she admired, she also witnessed the obstacles the communities are facing

The London Artisan - Autumn 2020

Call for Applications: The London Artisan Applications Are Open! We are thrilled to announce the reopening of The London Artisan! After cancelling both our Spring and Summer events, we can once again support independent designer makers by providing a platform to begin marketing and selling your work once again. The London Artisan offers a diverse, quality, shopping experience that celebrates independent producers and makers. It’s about people and place; meeting the makers, conversations started and friendships formed. The London Artisan presents a unique selection of jewellery, ceramics, glassware, textiles, homewares, illustration and beauty products. We also welcome applications from coffee/drink

Contemporary Craft & Design Fair 2021

Contemporary Craft & Design Fair Dovecot Studios, Edinburgh Saturday 5 June - Sunday 6 June 2021 10am - 5pm This summer, Dovecot will showcase 24 designers and makers in its world famous Tapestry Studio, offering visitors the opportunity to support our local creative economy. Taking place in Dovecot’s airy spaces, visitors will be able to safely browse the work of contemporary textiles, homeware, jewellery, beauty and accessories designers including Green Thomas, Anne Watson Jewellery, Emily Millichip and Tessuti Scotland. Committed to showcasing the best in contemporary art, craft, and design, Dovecot is delighted to provide a platform for the creative

Diamond: From rough to diamond

Diamond cutting, an essential step in revealing all the beauty of this unique stone, is a complex art, passed on through a long apprenticeship with a master diamond cutter, a true artist of volume and precision. Diren Ramsamy , a Diamond Cutter at Rubel & Ménasché, who has devoted his entire professional life to this demanding art, will help you discover, during a talk with  Olivier Segura , Gemmologist and Scientific Director at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, not only the tools he uses and the steps involved in cutting a diamond but also the way he understands the stone

This Autumn Yields Beautiful Garland Jewellery By Fiona McAlear

Fiona McAlear’s obsession with flowers as adornments - from Ceasaresque wreaths to the wild floral hair arrangements of the flower-children of the 1960’s - is apparent throughout her body of work, with previous collections named Ivy, Garland and Forget-Me-Not. Her newest release ‘Pomona’, the first mini-series within the wider ‘BLOOM’ collection, is no exception.  Dwelling in British Columbia, Canada over the past two years cemented McAlear’s affection for the beauty in nature. The timely collection Pomona, the Roman Goddess of Orchards, fruits and Gardens, and is particularly associated with the Autumn harvest. McAlear acknowledges that the collection was named for

Installation VOID Showcases the Hidden Galaxies Within Gemfields' Gemstones

As part of London Design Festival, an installation seeks to venture into the depths of gemstones, showcasing the chasms inside and amplifying them to cavernous proportions. Designer Dan Tobin Smith and creative studio The Experience Machine, in partnership with Gemfields, present VOID; a multi-sensory spatial installation at Collins Music Hall, Islington. The immersive experience allows visitors to travel through a series of large-scale projections, exploiting the intricate beauty in nature. A selection of Mozambican rubies and Zambian emeralds from Gemfields’ mines, which date back millions of years, are brought to life through photography of tiny microcosms magnified. Expanding the gemstones

A Stroke of Genius- Becca Macdonald’s Brushstroke Collection takes Wearable Art Literally

At IJL this year, Kickstart winner Becca Macdonald captured our imaginations with her ‘Brushstroke’ collection, charmingly displayed on a canvas. Propped up by an easel, solid silver paint strokes danced fluidly over the rough grain, capturing perfectly the texture of an artist’s brush stroke, evidence of a person that is, or once was. Their passions; their movements; their talents.  Becca specialises in capturing the 'evidence of presence', a concept that has fascinated her for some time. The designer says: “I want to grasp the untouchable. I love the idea of capturing a fleeting moment and preserving the beauty in that

Fei Liu Fine Jewellery introduce new silver Magnolia collection at IJL

Award winning brand Fei Liu Fine Jewellery have taken the natural beauty of the cat’s eye gemstone to offer a capsule range, which will be exclusive to their retailer partners. The Magnolia collection is a modern take on the namesake oriental flower. Floral motifs are largely epitomised across the eponymous designer Fei Liu’s jewellery. For this collection Liu sought inspiration from his art background and his love of oriental flowers. One painting that caught his eye was the ‘Almond Blossom’ by Vincent van Gogh. The painting not only uses understated colours and oriental flowers to allure the eyes, but also

Enchanting Opal

It's no secret that Opal is a stone boasting many admirers worldwide, a beauty that's easy on the eye and can look delightfully demure and delicious even in the simplest of outfits. Displaying all the colours of the rainbow, opal is coveted and celebrated for its beautiful iridescence and striking display of patterns. The official birthstone of October, Opal metaphysically symbolises hope and purity and is thought to a protective stone by keeping its wearer safe from danger. Opallios is the Greek word for Opals meaning 'To see a change of colour". The flashing play of colour you see in opal

The Prettiest Pearl in the Room

An ever-loved adornment for jewellery, accessories, furniture and more, the pearl is the oldest gem known to man, symbolic for its association with beauty, wealth, wisdom and purity.  Pearls are a timeless symbol of style; universally flattering due to their ability to complement a plethora of outfits and brighten just about any complexion of its wearer. One of the most precious trends for winter 2018 is the return of the pearls! Single bold chokers, as well as fine and dainty multi-strand necklaces, are a big hit with designers this season. With interesting clasps, the array of pearl jewellery this winter

Polar Bears and Melting Ice – Jewellery of Climate Change and Conservation

Elements, Scotland’s festival showcase for the finest gold, silver and jewellery will include collections that combine beauty and exquisite craftsmanship with ethical and environmental issues. The event, which is organised by The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of Edinburgh in partnership with fine art auctioneers Lyon & Turnbull and runs from 8 to 10 November, will feature more than 50 high quality designers and makers from across the UK. Among them is Burntisland-based Sally Grant, whose pieces will include one featuring a garnet that is among the first stones brought to market by Moyo Gemstones, a women’s mining collective in Tanzania. Sally,

News Edit: 2 September 2018

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Why rock’n’roll jeweller Stephen Webster is a national treasure GQ: Just as Andy Warhol took soup tins and turned them into art, so Stephen Webster has done with his work, transforming the most mundane of articles into jewellery, and the ideal. www.gq-magazine.co.uk   Gems Are This Man’s Best Friend: Danilo Giannoni, Founder Of Arte Oro Prestige: The Valenza-trained jeweller brings Italian craftsmanship to Singapore with his new state-of-the-art atelier. prestigeonline.com   SKINCREDIBLE? Skin-growth jewellery is the bonkers new beauty trend that Kim Kardashian and Chrissy Teigen are loving… and we

Isabella Liu showcases new collection 'The Butterfly Lovers' at t IJL 2019

Following the very successful launch of Isabella Liu’s new nature inspired collection, The Butterfly Lovers at the CMJ summer event, the award-winning International jewellery designer and artist will be unveiling new additional pieces at IJL 2019. The collection which pays homage to the beauty of Nature, draws on the classic Chinese legend of two lovers, Liang Shanbo (梁山伯) and Zhu Yingtai (祝英台), the Chinese Romeo and Juliet. In this the tale ‘The lovers’ spirits, in the form of a pair of butterflies, fly away together, never to be separated again’. This epic story has inspired musicians, artists and performers. Isabella

The Shape of Eros

Lore Langendries’ work balances between the unique and the serial with a particular focus on the tactile and physical of artefacts, the behavior of material in combination with digital technology and her own intuitive role as a maker. Central to her work is the use of geometrical forms by showing the essence and beauty of animal hides in their most elementary forms writes Ilaria Ruggiero. Her work focuses on different type of leathers, treated by obtaining pieces always very balanced and minimal, where the living element, the material, becomes strictly connected with the body and its sensuality. I asked her few This [youtube

Deborah Tseng releases monochrome 'White' collection

In a colourful world, this quiet white jewellery is a rare island for a peaceful mind. Deborah Tseng Jewellery combines two historical crafts to make porcelain jewellery with layers of beauty and meaning. Artist Deborah Tseng established her eponymous jewellery brand in London, after graduating from a masters degree in jewellery Silversmithing and related products from Birmingham City University School of Jewellery. However, prior to this Tseng lived and Taiwan, where she was trained extensively in metalwork.  Her diverse skillset and honed craftsmanship can be seen in her work. She finds her inspiration in repetition, transformation, time and the minutiae of the

The Shape of Chopard: Heart shaped Valentine's novelties

Chopard, the Artisan of emotion, has a long-standing relationship with the emblem of the heart- using it as a motif year-round. But, how can one take ownership of such a universal symbol? That is precisely the question that the Chopard workshops has been addressing for many years, honing each of the details that contribute to making this heart a peak architectural achievement. The excellence and fullness of its pleasing proportions encapsulate the very idea of beauty. Its infinitely soft, ergonomic and gently rounded curves were achieved by developing countless prototypes aimed at achieving the golden ratio, the magic formula that

News Edit: 2 June 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   First UK visit for Hammerclub will reconnect Dundee with silver heritage Deadline News: Dundee’s precious metals heritage will be connected to its growing contemporary reputation for design... deadlinenews.co.uk The Ancient Egyptian collection that marked Karl Lagerfeld’s final runway appearance Prestige Online: The civilisation was the inspiration for Chanel’s recent Metiers D’ Art collection. Established in 2002, the... prestigeonline.com Symphony In Red: Van Cleef & Arpel’s Treasure Of Rubies Harpers Bazaar: Showcasing over 3,000 carats of certified rubies, Van Cleef & Arpels' Treasure of Rubies is a disciplined study of beauty.

Tweet

Tweet 16th March - 22nd June 2019 The Craft Centre & Design Gallery, Leeds, West Yorkshire Makers inspired by the beauty of birds come together in this remarkable display of jewellery, ceramics, stone, wood and works in mixed media.  Each maker translates their inspirations into unique handmade creations for you to own or admire. Jewellery Sally Ayling Sally’s jewellery is inspired by nature, in particular birds.  The graphic images from field-guide books and wildlife illustrations, ordinance survey maps, charming old packaging, classic industrial design and many other bits and pieces Sally sees on her travels.  Sally enjoys using unconventional materials

Flora in Full Bloom

A classic style, popular in the 50s and now growing its way back into the fashion sunlight is colourful, dainty flower and bouquet studded jewellery!  The intricate and delicate botanical shapes and patterns of enchanting blossom gardens turn this trend into one of pure beauty and super-feminine creativity. Designers have kept designs simple and brought them to life in harmonious colours, tones and acute attention to detail in petals, stems and pistils. Spring awakens into summer as our accessories get the full bloom treatment of bold and striking splashes of colour, sparkling embellishment of charming gemstones and a nod to

Miss World China crowned with Fei Liu's glorious £11 million masterpiece

Fei Liu's magnificent Blue of Dreams tiara, worth £11 million and featuring a stunning 88 carat sapphire, was placed ceremoniously on the head of Chinese beauty queen Guan Siyu last week when she won the Miss World China 2017 pageant in Dalian, China. The Fei Liu Fine Jewellery founder collaborated with the New Silkroutes Group Ltd to create his amazing  masterpiece and took a full 9 months to complete it - in a painstaking process of design and intricate craftsmanship. Look closely and you will see the majestic 88ct Sri Lanka blue sapphire set in platinum, six high-grade over sapphires,

Modern Metallics

As the temperatures plummet, seasons transition and the sale of pumpkin spice lattes are everywhere to be seen, it can only mean one thing for the fashion-minded: new season jewellery is out in full swing. A signature style of elegance and grace, metallic metal pieces are a favourite for Autumn/Winter 2017 wardrobes and the perfect way of injecting a touch of glitz and magnetic wearability. The slinky finish of modern metallic adornments offer lightweight aesthetics that will cast a flattering glow to any skin tone hue. Arrive in style at any winter dinner soiree shining in subtle, eye-catching beauty; the

Diamonds Are Forever

Happy birthday month to all you April babies out there! With Spring in full swing and summer fashion trends ready to ring-a-ding-ding, the diamond dazzles as queen bee in this months gemstone spotlight! Owing to their superior robust structure, remarkable luster and beautiful crystal lattice patterns reflecting and refracting light spectrums, the diamond sparkles with a hidden beauty of intrigue and desirable finery. Diamonds are not only a notoriously ancient coveted treasure of the wealthy elite but it is highly loved many  gemmologosts  for being one of the only gemstones made entirely from one element- carbon. Owing to its isometric

The Handmade Fair 2017

The Handmade Fair is brought to you by Kirstie Allsopp and is all about appreciating the beauty of handmade, and learning the skills to become a maker yourself. Whether your day at the Fair teaches you how to make something yourself, upcycle a piece you already own, or if you buy it from an expert, it’s here to help everyone to make their life a little more beautiful. The Shopping Villages are full to the brim with handmade products of the highest quality, brought to you by our hand-picked and incredibly talented makers, along with an enviable range of tools

Crafting Creative Magic: Origami Jewellery

Beautifully delicate, light, infinetly refined and undeniably eye-catching, Origami can only be described as a touch of magical tradition folded within creative craftsmanship. The elegant art of Japanese paper folding encapsulates not only an innovative drive of talent and imagination but an artistic way of expressing personality. Folded, flipped and curled into a mix of precious fine metals, the fresh and charming appeal of Origami Jewellery is the inspired child of French designers Claire Naa and Arnaud Soulignac. Influenced from the beauty of Japanese originality, these two founding partners sought to showcase the light and dreamy allure of oriental art

Nailing The Crystal Look In Geode Goodness

With the runways awash with the footsteps of hundreds of models in new season thigh high boots, houndstooth print seen left right and centre and bold granny chic adornments dangly from polished and preened earlobes, fashion week has once again descended upon our calendars! Last fall the jewellery and beauty worlds came together in all their tantalising trends to bring us spellbinding galaxy nail art and geode lips. Makeup artists have made it easier for you to take your covetable crystal collection everywhere with you by drawing inspiration from the world's prettiest gemstones and turning it into gorgeous geode nail

Modern Life, Gill Wing

Modern Life… Gill Wing Gallery 13 – 28 February 2018 Modern life is Gill Wing’s ‘New Year’s Revolution’, it's not about dramatic changes, vowing to be better, cleaner, healthier or trying to live up to an impossible ideal. Modern Life for 2018 is about appreciating what already exists; the imperfect, the mundane. Being thankful for your home, wherever it may be, because you have one. Being thankful rather than guilty for your bad habits because you have the freedom to indulge them. Finding beauty and humour in everyday situations. The gallery has selected 6 jewellers for their unique work investigating

American Jewellery Brand Nambé Launches in the UK

American designer lifestyle brand, Nambé, has launched in the UK market, bringing its contemporary, mid-century homeware, giftware and sterling silver jewellery to independent retailers and department stores. Founded in the American state of New Mexico more than 65-years ago, Nambé dedicates itself to timeless beauty, artistic integrity and uncompromising quality across a broad range of items for the home and gifting occasions. The brand’s promise of style and practical functionality began with the introduction of its proprietary Alloy – a tarnish-resistant combination of eight different metals with remarkable temperature retention properties and a silver-like lustre. Nambé’s alloy pieces can be

The Handmade Fair 2017

The Handmade Fair is brought to you by Kirstie Allsopp and is all about appreciating the beauty of handmade, and learning the skills to become a maker yourself. Whether your day at the Fair teaches you how to make something yourself, upcycle a piece you already own, or if you buy it from an expert, it’s here to help everyone to make their life a little more beautiful. The Shopping Villages are full to the brim with handmade products of the highest quality, brought to you by our hand-picked and incredibly talented makers, along with an enviable range of tools

Dial Into Botanical Beauties of Time

With Spring well & truly sprung and scandalous summer getting ready to sashay onto the scene, it's time to work some bodacious blooms and fiery florals into your new season look.  With Greenery hailed as the trans-seasonal Pantone colour of the year, this fresh and zesty hue of vitality has been dominating the trend forecasts and has now clocked onto our wrist-wear adornments. The beauty of nature is emblematic throughout this botanical theme in watchmaking with themes of escapism, urban revival and restorative wellbeing captured through the floral studded craftsmanship.  Flora and fauna have blossomed their way into our Springtime-wrist

Fei Liu unveils ‘The Blue of Dreams’ tiara with 88ct sapphire

Last week, the Designer of the Year,  Fei  Liu, unveiled his latest masterpiece ‘The Blue of Dreams’ in Shenzhen City, China, to press and the Chinese jewellery industry.   ‘The Blue of Dreams’ tiara is a collaboration between  Fei  and the Chinese beauty pageant.   Fei  sought inspiration from the flying fairy murals of  Dunhuang , China. A city which symbolises the beginning of the Silk Road. The marvellous main sapphire stone has a weight of 88ct and is worth approximately £3million. The entwined ribbons of platinum are set with hues of sapphire and rose-cut diamonds, to give the tiara

Large Scale Art Installation, Boomtown Festival UK Ltd

Commissioning Opportunity for Large Scale Art Installation Boomtown Festival UK Ltd Boomtown Fair are looking for Artists who can interpret the following brief and submit proposals for a Large scale Outdoor Art Installation to be positioned up on a hilltop look out point looking out over the festival. The space is green field, an Area of outstanding natural beauty in the South Downs National Park. We would like a sculptural Art installation to contain the following elements Providing  welcoming safe space for festival goers to enjoy a moment of calm and reflection away from the hustle and bustle of the

The Modern Pearl Collection by Margot McKinney

Internationally acclaimed jewellery designer  Margot McKinney  is redefining the way women wear pearls with a new collection created from the unusual beauty of Australian South Sea pearls. Based in Australia, Margot  McKinney hails from a long family tradition of luxury retail  dating back to 1884.   Transcending mere adornment,  her  jewelry  designs  are statement pieces of pristine craftsmanship that lend any ensemble a touch of the sublime. For Margot, it often begins with the stone, sourced with extreme care from rare finds. Out of its intrinsic qualities, she fashions the ideal setting for the gem to shine at its most

Crafts for the Future Conference

Crafts for the Future  The Heritage Crafts Association is pleased to announce that booking for the 2018 conference, Crafts for the Future, is now open.  Keynote speakers this year will be HCA Patron and ceramics producer, Emma Bridgewater and Sam Walton from Hole & Corner magazine, a bi-annual print magazine devoted to celebrating craft, beauty, passion and skill. In the afternoon session, makers from the critically endangered category of The HCA/Radcliffe Red List of Endangered Crafts will be addressing the audience. Martin Frost, fore-edge painter Kate Hetherington, horse collar maker Wim Visscher, parchmenter JoJo Wood, apprentice clog maker and wood

Chopard unveils the first creations in a shimmering collection for the red carpet in 2018

This week as Basel opened, and as the Cannes International Film Festival approaches, the High Jewellery workshops of the Maison Chopard have showcased some of the forthcoming pieces which they have been giving life to as a splendid collection dreamed up by Caroline Scheufele. An anthem to femininity and beauty, these exceptional jewellery creations will adorn the greatest actresses on the red carpet, making Chopard an inescapable lodestar when it comes to glamour.  Partnering the Cannes Festival for 20 years, the Maison annually crafts the legendary Palme d’or, made from Fairmined-certified ethical gold.  While the High Jewellery ateliers are hard

Amethyst Crush for February Birth Babies

One of the most revered stones for centuries, amethyst crystal is one of the most treasured variety of quartz. With its stunning tones of violet-purple and its rich history saturated with medieval lore and legendary powers, few crystals are as distinctive as arresting amethyst. Today, amethyst is classified as a semi-precious stone but throughout history, many ancients regarded it as a "Gem of Fire", worth as much in value and beauty as a diamond. Believed to carry energies of passion and fire, creativity and spirituality, amethyst has always been associated with the month of February and the Roman water-god, Neptune.

BRON - Ruudt Peters

Bron - Ruudt Peters Retrospective A  BRON  (source) is a beginning, a starting point. Different ‘things’ are bubbling up and coming out of sources, both literally as well as figuratively. In SOURCE, the retrospective exhibition of Ruudt Peters, the sources of his work are the main focus. Peters shares in this exhibition not only his work, but also what inspires him at the deepest level. Alchemy, nature, the human body, beauty, the subconscious, intuition, spirituality and sexuality; everything has been a source of inspiration and was the beginning of a quest for Peters. His starting point is his curiosity in the

Wrapped Up With A Bow

The bow. A simplistic yet elegantly chic nod to femininity that is stealing the scenes in the jewellery trends spotlight. A long time classic motif within Jewellery and fashion this understated design has continuously served as a symbolic emblem to stylish finesse, beauty and haute couture style. Looping back onto the style scene, the bow has been treated to a contemporary twist by multiple layers of precious metals fashioned into sculpted domes and rounded curves; playing with the reflections and refrains of light beams. The graceful craftsmanship of bow inspired adornments unfurl a graceful fluidity oozing with charming artistry. A

Greenery: The Colour Set to Revive, Refresh, Renew

Welcome to the fresh and zesty world of Greenery15-0343, the Pantone colour blooming into 2017! Greenery is natures' authentic omnipresent hue of thriving; emblematic for vitality and the need to strip back to our organic state of being. After suffering a turbulent political and social upheaval throughout most of 2016, this yellow-green shade symbolises a need to reconnect to nature and a more grounded sense of purpose.  In a world monopolised by social media and technology, 'Greenery' reminds us of noticing the real truth and beauty in the natural aesthetics around us; a sense of escapism from our materialistic society and

Christmas Open Studios 2016, Cockpit Arts - Holborn

Join Cockpit Arts in their 30th Anniversary year and meet 170 makers over two centres in central and south London. Visitors can see behind the scenes in the studios and buy work direct from Cockpit Arts’ master craftspeople and artist-makers, past and present. Ceramicists, jewellers, textile artists, shoemakers … and a host of other crafts· Featured showcase selection by Jo Newton, Head of Buying for Fashion Beauty and Home, Fortnum & Mason Delicious food by Hand Made Food café The Holborn Magazine pop-up shop Cockpit Arts is an award winning social enterprise and the UK’s only business incubator for craftspeople,

Christmas Open Studios 2016, Cockpit Arts - Deptford

Join Cockpit Arts in their 30th Anniversary year and meet 170 makers over two centres in central and south London. Visitors can see behind the scenes in the studios and buy work direct from Cockpit Arts’ master craftspeople and artist-makers, past and present. Ceramicists, jewellers, textile artists, shoemakers … and a host of other crafts· Featured showcase selection by Jo Newton, Head of Buying for Fashion Beauty and Home, Fortnum & Mason Delicious food by Hand Made Food café The Holborn Magazine pop-up shop Cockpit Arts is an award winning social enterprise and the UK’s only business incubator for craftspeople,

Mappin & Webb Launch Beau Han Xu Glasswear Collection

Mappin & Webb has announced a collaboration with award winning RCA graduate designer and artist Beau Han Xu. Drawing on nature and the ethereal, the London based designer captures and preserves inspirational moments in his creations, particularly the split second of beauty as a raindrop bursts with a splash. Continuing a silver and glassware tradition spanning more than 240 years, Mappin & Webb continues pioneering innovation with this latest, exclusive product collaboration. The Collection An exquisite collection of twelve elegant glass shapes has been created, including Red, White, Rosé, Martini, Cocktail, Whiskey, Cognac, Shot Glass and, of course, Champagne, with

Chinese Designer RUI XU Makes A Stand For Wildlife

Following on from her successful exhibition Beauty On Fire – For Zaha at the Zaha Hadid Gallery (in memory of her friend and muse – the late, great Dame Zaha Hadid), Rui Xu is firmly cementing her position as a leading designer in the UK. Rui Xu is an award-winning Chinese fashion designer and contemporary artist whose works bridge fashion, painting, music and performance, blurring the boundaries of culture and aesthetics.  She was the Director of Fashion at China Central Academy of Fine Arts Beijing (CAFA), and now lectures at the university as an Associate Professor. After a year of

Lady In Red: Ruby Passion

A captivating and fiery lady in red who with one radiant gleam of passion could enchant just about any wanton eye; Welcome to the world of red, red Ruby. The gem queen of the crystal world, this precious stone of nobility and flaming shades of beauty is one of four "precious" gemstones accredited to its rarity, carat value, hardness and natural vitality; the others including diamond, sapphire and emerald. Ruby is derived from the latin word ' Rubeus ' meaning 'red' and the deeply striking red colour palette is due to genes within the Corundum family. Comprising of chrome and

Auverture adds Gaelle Khouri to Luxury Offering

A carefully curated selection of Khouri's iconic pieces from her Soft Deconstruction and Garden of Earthly Delights collections is available at auverture.com  amongst the likes of Fernardo Jorge, Venyx, Lydia Courteille, Delfina Delettrez, Pamela Love, Noor Fares and Bibi van der Velden. Gaelle Khouri creates her beautifully elaborate jewellery to lend the women who wear it a feeling of strength, so they can “better express who they are, silently and effortlessly,” says the jeweller. This Lebanese designer’s creations stand out for their rare, unique beauty. Her first collection, “The Garden of Earthly Delights,” is inspired by what Khouri calls “the

Stella & Dot: Covet Collection

Stella & Dot, the global social-selling accessories brand have launched the Covet Collection, a new line of fine jewellery, luxury handbags and wallets to bring together a sense of bold and passionate style this fall/winter. The Covet Collection blends timeless beauty with unmistakable quality, and understated luxury with timeless silhouettes. The necklaces feature 14k gold and hand set diamonds (ethical and conflict-free) at highly competitive price points. The chain is custom developed and produced in the U.S. and can be worn at 4 different lengths. The Covet collection is a unique selection of everyday essentials, timeless elegance designed with a

Dharma: The New Collection to Courageously Live your Calling

Are you ready to set your soul free? Luxury ethical jewellery brand Ananda Soul, originating from Bali, has launched its newest collection : Dharma. The new collection invites you to take the plunge, tune into your soul and courageously live your calling. The inspiration for this collection comes from a deep seated desire by founder and designer Christina Zipperlen to help women realise that they are so much more than their bodies and appearances. Designed to celebrate the beauty that each and every one of us possesses in this exact moment, Ananda is the realisation that nothing outside of us can

Sarabande: Sølve Sundsbø, Michaela Stark & Perfect magazine

Sarabande: Sølve Sundsbø, Michaela Stark & Perfect Magazine Monday 6th September Sarabande Foundation, 22 Hertford Rd, London N1 5SH Doors open at 7:00 PM An inspirational talk with Sølve Sundsbø & Michaela Stark, in conversation with Jeanne Annan- Lewin . Internationally renowned fashion photographer and filmmaker Sølve Sundsbø has shot for innumerable luxury couture houses and publications – Chanel, Hérmes, Louis Vuitton, Italian VOGUE, LOVE and i-D to name a few. Sarabande artist-in-residence Michaela Stark creates intricate and unconventional lingerie that subverts and contests society’s unrealistic beauty standards. Having recently collaborated for the upcoming issue of Perfect, the pair will

‘Flowers from the Frontline’ Series

‘Flowers from the Frontline’ Series Archivist Exhibit, Garden Museum, London 12th November - 22nd December 2022 The Ukrainian war flower series that finds beauty and growth in a time of destruction. British jewellery designer Phoebe Walsh has created a series of 5 miniature flower pressing books in recycled Sterling Silver, each containing a single war flower from the new frontlines in Kyiv. The project began in March when a brave Kyivan artist Olga Morozova agreed to go searching for flowers as her city fell ablaze. Inspired by the Garden Museum’s collection of Wildflower pressings made by Jane Lindsay in 1956, from London’s WWII

News Edit: 22 January 2023

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   How to work with silver: You can embrace mistakes as the beauty of handmade jewellery Irish Times: Gemma Tipton offers a beginner’s guide to taking up a new cultural pursuit. www.irishtimes.com The Most Jaw-Dropping Red Carpet Jewellery Of All Time Vogue: Fashions change, but diamonds are forever – especially when it comes to red-carpet dressing. Without it, an outfit may look good, but nothing adds polish, finesse or glamour like lashings of precious stones. www.vogue.co.uk You can now buy jewellery made from Iron Maiden's guitar strings, and it's

Decorex 2018

Beauty needs space to flourish. Join us at Decorex 16-19 September at Syon Park and discover the finest concepts and products from a hand-picked collection of designers. Decorex has established itself as Europe’s leading interior design event, offering the finest furniture, lighting, textiles, craft and accessories from emerging and established names alike. The centrepiece of London Design Festival, Decorex provides an unparalleled opportunity for interior design professionals to discover exquisite creations from more than 400 international exhibitors. Venue Syon Park Brentford Middlesex TW8 8JF Dates Sunday 16th September 10.00 - 18.00 Monday 17th September 10.00 - 18.00 Tuesday 18th September 10.00

Goldsmiths Fair Features Celebrated Film by Ujin Lin

Celebrated filmmaker  Ujin  Lin has created a video installation for Goldsmiths’ Fair 2017. His film 'Precious Mysteries' features jewellery and silver he selected from this year’s Fair exhibitors. Ujin  has previously made video campaigns for brands such as Prada, Philip Lim and Zara. Ujin was inspired by the interiors of Goldsmiths’ Hall to create his video, and to celebrate the beauty and craftsmanship of work by Goldsmiths’ Fair exhibitors. Included in the teaser trailer is work by (L-R)  Max Danger ,  Vicki Ambery-Smith ,  Ulla Hornfeldt ,  Maria Frantzi ,  Tom Rucker ,  Stacey Bentley ,  Tina Engell  and  Ingo Henn